Breast Cancer Now Forum

I was diagnosed in March 2005 with lobular bc. Had mastectomy (3 tumours found, largest was 4.5cm; one node affected), chemo (FEC x 6), rads x 25 and now approaching the end of 5 years on Aromasin. I saw my daughter get married in 2006 and last month our beautiful grandson was born. Both of those events I wondered if I would get to see when I was first diagnosed. My message is that there is hope and there is light at the end of the tunnel, although it doesn't feel like it when you're first diagnosed. If you're currently going through treatment, keep going and it will be a distant memory sooner than you think. Lots of luck and health to everyone. Carol xx ... View more

Hi Bridezilla, Amoena do a bra in your size with multi-way detachable straps including clear ones. The design is called Lea and cost online is £28. Have a wonderful wedding! Carol x ... View more

Another lobular lady here! At initial diagnosis 4 years ago the mammo on my 'bad' breast suggested a 1 - 2cm tumour and this was confirmed by an ultrasound. I was given the option of lumpectomy or mastectomy and am so thankful I chose the mx as the tumour turned out to be well hidden and was in fact 4.5cm in size. I also had two smaller tumours in the same breast that hadn't shown up at all before mx. Despite this I'm still refused MRI on my remaining breast and the last time I asked about it I was given a bit of a lecture about the dangers of 'over medicalising' people!! Can only assume it's down to funding and all I can do is continue to be extra vigilant. Carol x ... View more

Voted ... View more

Just signed, 519 signatures now. Catfan x ... View more

Hi Carol, I've sent you a PM too. Take care. Catfan xx ... View more

Congratulations Blonde000 on reaching your 5 year mark. I reached 4 years in March this year and am looking forward to 5 years and, like all of us, many more years ahead. Life does change considerably after diagnosis but for me the most important change has been to make me appreciate every new day, whatever it holds, and not to take life for granted any more. Best wishes for the future. ... View more

I too experienced extreme tiredness for a few months before my diagnosis, dragging myself to work in the mornings and falling asleep in the evenings. I was diagnosed in February 2005 and I remember in December 2004 making a new year's resolution to start having earlier nights but it didn't make much difference. Had mastectomy, chemo and rads and when it was all over I felt so much more energised. When I went onto Aromasin the initial joint pains slowed me down a lot but they did ease eventually and I think the tiredness I occasionally feel now is probably due to advancing age!! ... View more

Asked for a form while I was at my GP surgery today. The receptionist knew nothing about the scheme and had to go and ask the practice manager. Result was they haven't received the forms yet and don't know when they will, so suggested I pop in each time I'm passing. I'm fortunate enough to be able to 'pop in' regularly but for many it's not so easy. It's not the surgery's fault, but would have been nice if the government could have ensured the forms were available when the announcement was made! C x ... View more

Hi Peacock, I had 20 plus 5 boosters and my skin was fine until the last few days. I used aqueous cream throughout and the radiologists at my hospital were adamant that nothing else should be used, other than Simple soap for washing. In fact they even asked us to bring in our aqueous cream to show them which one we were using - and that was despite the fact I'd told them that I bought mine at the hospital pharmacy! My onc had offered me hydrocortisone cream during the 4th week as my skin was quite red and he thought it could break down, but silly me, I said I was ok and refused it! When the skin did finally give up the ghost, my onc was on leave and I had to rush off to my GP for the cream. It was very sore indeed for a few days after I started the hydrocortisone, but overall was better within a week. I felt so well I'd been convinced my skin could cope with anything, so the moral of my story is to accept any creams you're offered as you never know when you might need them! Take care. Carol x ... View more

top drawer ... View more

Green ... View more

Oxo ... View more

Yes, how did you guess! The person below me needs to mow the lawn ... View more

Runnng around seeking prodigious bakery establishment's rapid response YOKEL ... View more

No, only little howls from the screaming kids next door. The person below me had Ryvita for lunch ... View more

One small step for pants, one giant leap for pantskind - Buzz Aldrin, 21st July 1969 ... View more

I bought a mastectomy bra on ebay too, it's a Royce, brand new and is great - and much cheaper than in the shops. I've also bought a spare prosthesis and a swim one on ebay and they're great. Well worth a look! ... View more

Becoming me, free The person I want to be Through eternity ... View more

Oh Kim, with such a caring daughter as you obviously are, your mum won't need anything else! The most important thing for your mum is to know you are there to support her and to offer help when it's needed. As far as material things go, horace's list is a very comprehensive one and as a past chemo patient I can't think of anything else, except that I ate an awful lot of Marmite when my taste buds were affected, as it was the only thing that I could really taste for a week or so after each cycle of chemo. I finished my chemo exactly 3 years ago and I'm sure your mum will be reassured to hear about those of us who've been through it, come out the other side and have returned to a fairly 'normal' life. At the time it seems to go on forever but she will cope with the chemo, she will get through it, and her hair will grow back. Very best wishes to you and your mum. Carol x ... View more